"I went a long way in the dingy, and succeeded in finding the true
channel of the stream by probing with the twelve-foot pole through the
grass. To-morrow we shall begin cutting, as the whole country is closed.
"The tree that marks the open water of last year is about a mile and a
half distant. There is a solitary dry spot near this, the heart of
desolation - a tumulus of about half an acre, like the back of a huge
tortoise, is raised about five feet above the highest water level. Upon
this crocodiles love to bask in undisturbed sleep.
"January 25.-The men cut about 300 yards.
"January 26.-We again accomplished about 300 yards, and pushed the
vessels within the channel.
"January 27.-We are thankful for a comparatively open ditch, deep, but
covered with grass, through which the diahbeeah cut her path by sailing
before a strong breeze, and we entered the lake at 11.20 a.m. There is
no change here since last year. The steamer and fleet are close up, but
there is a little deepening necessary at the mouth of the channel. The
diahbeeah went ahead for six miles along the lake and broad river, and
anchored for the night.
"January 28.-With a light breeze, the diahbeeah sailed four miles, and
stopped at the three dubbas, whence we turned back last year. Even now
there is only three feet and a half of water, and we shall have great
trouble. Our fisherman, Howarti, caught a great haul of fine boulti with
the casting-net.
"January 29.-I shot some ducks and geese. A slight shower fell in early
morning. I explored about seven miles of the river in advance. The depth
is very unsatisfactory, varying from shallows to deep channels.
"January 30.-The fleet joined in sections during last night and to-day.
Set to work with the long-handled hoes, and cut a channel through the
shallows for fifty yards, and took the vessels forward.
"January 31.-Cut a channel through the shallows, but we could not get
the steamer along.
"February 1.-About 1,200 men at work cutting a channel and towing the
steamer and noggurs through. The diahbeeah and two noggurs passed ahead
for about a mile. We then stopped to await the steamer and other vessels
that were delayed by the powerful current.
"February 2.-Stopped all day waiting for the steamer about a mile ahead
of the noggurs. When we left the dubba, I had left a letter in a bottle,
addressed to Tayib Agha, to order him to come on without delay, and
deepen the channels we have cut, should it be necessary.
"February 3.-The steamer came up at 10 a.m. At 10.45 the diahbeeah made
sail, and after two miles was delayed by a small sudd.
